Upper Darby teen held for trial in attempted homicide

UPPER DARBY -- The 19-year-old Upper Darby man shot in the back by another teen in December testified at the preliminary hearing Monday in district court.

The victim, who did not see who shot him, underwent emergency surgery and still has a bullet lodged in the left side of his back.

Brandon King Hashim, 19, of the 100 block of Springton Road, Upper Darby, who was identified by a witness of the alleged shooting was ordered held for trial on three counts of criminal attempt homicide and related offenses.

The shooting victim testified being in the vicinity of 7100 block of Marshall Road with a group of friends approximately 7:15 p.m. on Dec. 17.

"I saw a group and heard someone say, 'there goes one of them,' and I ran," the victim said. "I heard four or five gunshots go off. By the third shot I got hit and I just kept on running. I was just trying to get away. I kept on running till I heard the sirens and saw police."

He was transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for surgery and was discharged after a week of hospitalization.

Assistant District Attorney Jessica Conley called another teenager to the stand who recalled seeing a white Cadillac pull up on Marshall Road.

He recalled recognizing Hashim, who was in the car, as a classmate at Upper Darby High School.

"(Hashim) was in the back seat," the witness said. "He got out and I started running. Brandon pulled out a gun. He pointed it and said 'Don't run now p---.' I just ran when he started shooting."

On cross examination by defense attorney Shaka Johnson, the witness testified that Hashim held the black gun in his right hand.

Detective Matthew Rowles was called to testify as a certified cell phone forensic expert providing text messages between Hashim and another male about bringing a "hot strap," allegedly translated "stolen gun" on the street.

Magisterial District Judge Harry Karapalides ordered Hashim held on charges of three counts each of criminal attempt homicide, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and reckless endangerment and a charge of firearm not to be carried without a license and possessing instruments of crime.